Trump and Pardons Trump and Pardons
The power to pardon is something he likes. It makes him feel king-like and strong. It’s lucky his kids and his cronies include So many who’ve done something wrong.
Dec 15, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Trump’s Response to Losing the Vote Trump’s Response to Losing the Vote
Tradition in America relates That losing presidential candidates Speak graciously, in phrases meant to heal And serve to benefit our commonweal. And what of Trump’s will scholars b…
Nov 14, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
545 of the Children Separated From Their Parents at the Border 545 of the Children Separated From Their Parents at the Border
The parents of these kids have not been found. De facto orphans now, their lives are blighted. A question that we really need to ask: Why haven’t those who did this been indicted?…
Nov 3, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Why Trump Doesn’t Wear a Mask Why Trump Doesn’t Wear a Mask
“As any woman can tell you, the masks smear makeup. The president is afraid of makeup stains on his mask and unsightly smears on his photographed face.” —letter to The New York Ti…
Oct 6, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
At a Military Cemetery, Trump Reflects on His Only War Hero At a Military Cemetery, Trump Reflects on His Only War Hero
He was the very model of a neighborhood podiatrist. For he could find the bone spurs that these losers’ doctors always missed. So if your name was on the list of those he needed to…
Sep 22, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
George Washington and the Cherry Tree—Updated George Washington and the Cherry Tree—Updated
Young George could not deny he felled that tree. His moral code would certainly forbid it. In such a situation, Trump would say, “I cannot tell a lie: Obama did it.”…
Sep 8, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Birtherism 2.0 Birtherism 2.0
Trump spreads doubt about Kamala Harris’s citizenship.—news reports No citizen, though Oakland-born, Hints Donald and his claque— Just like Obama, culpable Of being born while bla…
Aug 25, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Presidential Diagnosis Presidential Diagnosis
He tweets wacko theories. He rants and he raves. His language decay is steady. The question is asked: Is he falling apart— Or was he apart already?…
Aug 11, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Wartime President Wartime President
“Trump calls himself ‘wartime president’ over coronavirus pandemic.” —CBS “The Trump Administration is trying to block billions of dollars for states to conduct testing and contac…
Jul 28, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Donald Trump: Confederate From Queens Donald Trump: Confederate From Queens
Trump says he will fight efforts to remove Confederate statues and to change the names of military bases named after Confederate generals.—news reports No matter that they fought…
Jul 14, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin